Light Trigger with Conventional Switch

ABSTRACT

A firearm has a trigger shield configured as a protective loop surrounding a trigger of the firearm and the trigger actuates the function of the firearm when activated by a finger and the trigger is a lever a user presses with his/her finger that starts the firing process. The firearm further has an emitter mounted on the trigger shield that propagates a light beam to a receiver mounted on an opposite side of the trigger shield, wherein when a finger depresses the trigger, his/her finger is blocking the light beam and the firearm will not activate and when the finger is moved away from the light beam, the firearm discharges.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and is a divisional of patent Ser.No. 10/962,320 entitled Light Trigger and filed on Dec. 3, 2019, whichis incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF ART

An optical firearm trigger is disclosed, revealing means and methods ofinitiating discharge of a firearm without the use of a mechanicaltrigger. In this manner the grip of the firearm will not change due tothe mechanical loading required to pull the trigger further alleviatingthe hold, or squeeze, on the firearm during discharge. It furtherrelates to firearm safety as it provides methods and means to preventreflexive, unintentional trigger pull by the shooter. No personalizationor additional security is incorporated in the firearm by thisdisclosure.

BACKGROUND

Present day firearms are typically initiated with a mechanical trigger.A trigger for a firearm is part of a mechanism that actuates thedischarge sequence of the firearm. A small amount of energy applied tothe trigger causes a chain of events that results in the release of amuch greater energy imparted to a projectile commonly known as thebullet. This action is known as firing or discharging the firearm.

The pull on the trigger required to fire the firearm, sometimes referredto as squeezing off the shot, mechanically loads the firearm and must becompensated by the grip on the firearm to maintain aim. Trigger controlis widely considered to be one of the most crucial shootingfundamentals.

There are five common trigger action types in current use. First is theSingle Action Only (SAO) trigger. A SAO trigger performs the single(only) action of releasing the hammer or striker to fire the firearmeach time the trigger is pressed. If the hammer is not cocked on a SAOfirearm, pressing the trigger will result in no shot being fired. TheSAO is considered the simplest action with the shortest, lightest, andsmoothest press. The press, typically four pounds, is more consistentfrom shot to shot facilitating minimal adjustments in technique beingnecessary for good accuracy.

Second is the Double Action (DA) trigger. DA indicates that pressing thetrigger causes two (double) actions at the same time: (1) cocking and(2) releasing the hammer. DA triggers provide the ability to fire thefirearm whether the hammer is cocked or not. This feature has provenattractive for police, military, and self-defense shooters. Onedisadvantage of any DA trigger is the extra length the trigger must bepressed and the extra trigger press required to overcome the springtension of the hammer or striker.

Third is the Double Action Only (DAO) trigger. DAO firearms cannot befired in SAO mode. DAO firearms cannot be manually cocked, since thehammer is only cocked and released by trigger manipulation. The hammerwill not be automatically cocked after a shot is fired. It returns to ade-cocked position after each shot. DAO revolvers are seeminglyhammerless, so they cannot be manually cocked and shot in single action.Trigger control is especially important with a DAO as the length andforce of the trigger press is crucial. Trigger control deviations anderratic movements tend to amplify errors.

Fourth is the Double Action/Single Action (DA/SA) trigger. This type oftrigger is found on many semi-automatic DA/SA pistols. The first shotcan be double action or single action, depending on whether the triggeris pressed initially for double action or if the hammer is manuallycocked back with the thumb for single action, but one press of thetrigger does cock and release the hammer if it is not cocked manually.If the hammer is manually cocked, the pressing of the trigger willrelease the hammer. Semi-automatic DA/SA pistols are typically re-cockby the slide after the firearm is fired. With a DA/SA type of firearm,all subsequent shots after the first DA press will be fired singleaction until shooting stops and the hammer is de-cocked. A DA/SA firearmis always ready to fire as soon as the trigger is pressed with no needto disengage a safety. DA/SA firearms have a first press of the triggerbetween 8-12 pounds (DA). The second trigger press typically ranges from4 to 6 pounds/

Fifth is the Striker Fired/Partially Cocked (SF) trigger. SF firearmsare neither DAO nor SAO trigger mechanisms. They are striker fired withtheir own system, trigger safeties and striker blocks. In SF pistols,the trigger engages the firing pin directly through a linkage ratherthan by engaging and releasing a hammer to fall against the firing pin.As the trigger is pulled the striker bar is drawn rearward andeventually released. The end of the striker acts as a firing pin andstrikes the primer firing the firearm. The slide cocks the striker andthen the trigger completes the other half of the cocking actionreleasing the striker. A typical trigger press is between 5 to 7 pounds.

A trigger pull weight of less than four pounds is considered hazardousfor many applications though some specialty triggers provide pullweights of as little as two pounds. Many attempts have been made toreduce the trigger pull required to fire the firearm. The goal is toimprove shooter precision while at the same time maintaining asufficient pull requirement to maintain safety. The present disclosurereduces the pull weight to zero allowing for the improvement of shootingaccuracy while at the same time providing improved safety by removingthe mechanical trigger. Another issue addressed by the presentdisclosure is the accidental firing of a firearm by reflexive squeezingof the trigger.

There are many well-known incidents of the involuntary discharge of afirearm caused by known trigger pull issues. These trigger pulls aresometimes caused by sympathetic contraction of the hand holding thefirearm due to such things as loss of balance, reflexive reaction to aloud noise, or by another startling reaction all initiating discharge ofthe firearm by intentionally squeezing the trigger. Sympatheticcontraction refers to an involuntary contraction occurring in themuscles of one limb when the same muscles in the other limb areperforming an intended forceful action. This effect is known as a mirrormovement, with the intensity of the sympathetic contraction depending onthe amount of force exerted during the intended action. In policing, acommon situation causing such a sympathetic contraction might be a lawenforcement officer attempting to restrain a struggling suspect with onehand while holding a firearm such as pistol in the other, thesympathetic contraction discharging the firearm. Significant trainingand safety instruction are often provided to police and others to avoidthese unfortunate incidents, yet they still occur.

Another scenario involves loss of balance. When balance is disturbed arapid involuntary contraction occurs to aid in the return to a positionof equilibrium. When a person is holding a handle for support there is atendency to use the arm muscles to maintain balance rather than the legmuscles. Under such circumstances the focal point of regaining balanceis any contact point an individual has with their surroundings. If aperson starts to fall while grasping a handheld firearm, the person islikely to grasp it more forcefully accidentally discharging the firearm.

Another well-known phenomenon is a whole-body response to an unexpectedstimulus such as a loud noise. This reflex causes rapid involuntarycontractions that spread to all muscles of the body. The reaction of thehands typically occurs less than 200 ms after the stimulus and leads toan individual clenching their fists. In this manner an officer startledby a loud, unexpected noise while searching for a suspect with thefirearm drawn may increase the grip force on the firearm and cause aninvoluntary discharge.

The present disclosure provides a firearm initiation methodology thatdirectly address the accidental trigger pull issue by removing the needto pull a trigger to discharge the weapon. Prior art reveals a method ofinitiating a firearm when a beam of light is broken by the shootersfinger, or by completing the light beam to the receiver by reflection ofthe beam from the shooters finger. Both methods are flawed as they donot require consistent action by the shooter to facilitate the action asno fixed relationship is made between the beam to be broken or reflectedand the starting position of the finger. Reflection of the beam off ashooters finger is dependent on the particular circumstance of theshooters finger and may not be consistent from shot to shot. The presentdisclosure initiates the firearm upon receipt of a previously blockedbeam through the action of a finger moving from a defined beam blockingposition in a defined manner to a position no longer blocking the beam.In this way the beam illumination is consistent and reliable. The fingeraction may be either forward, away from the shooter, or backward,towards the shooter as desired for the specific application. Further,prior disclosure reveals a pulling action to interrupt the light beam.The present disclosure discloses moving the trigger finger forward orbackward to unblock and complete the light beam initiating discharge

In the manner of the finger moving forward unintended discharge iseliminated. For the present disclosure the beam is a source of divergentradiant energy to include light radiating from a source. The energy isconsidered to be shaped or otherwise constrained or manipulated as perthe desired application with the radiant energy from certain types oflaser having the smallest beam divergence. For the present disclosure itis preferred that the beam be any form of energy emission as facilitatesa particular application.

The present disclosure does not require the use of a mechanical triggerto initiate a firearm. A light beam is detected in the manner hereindescribed to initiate firing. In this manner mechanical loading of thefirearm by the mechanical trigger pull is avoided. Safety is furtherprovided maintained by the shooters control and knowledge of thefire/no-fire condition of the firearm and the ability to fire thefirearm by finger extension rather than contraction, avoidingunintentional firing of the firearm by reflexive contraction of thetrigger finger. The present disclosure is not a smart firearm as it doesnot incorporate a safety feature or features that allow it to fire onlywhen activated by an authorized shooter. Any shooter can operate thepresent disclosure without authorization just as any common firearm.

SUMMARY

This disclosure relates to the firing of a firearm through use of anoptical trigger. The firearm is initiated by the completion of anoptical signal by the shooter in the manners herein disclosed. In thisway the firearm's aim is not affected by the loading of a mechanicaltrigger to initiate a discharge. This embodiment gives the presentinvention a distinct advantage not only in common use but also when usedin high precision activities such as long-range hunting and militaryapplications.

This disclosure further relates to shooter safety by the avoidance ofunintentional discharge of the firearm through provision of methods andmeans of avoiding the reflexive and involuntary contraction of thetrigger finger squeezing a mechanical trigger initiating discharge ofthe firearm.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including trade, technical andscientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonlyunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this inventionbelongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those definedin commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaningthat is consistent with their meaning in the context of thisspecification and relevant art, and should not be interpreted in anidealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.Well known functions or constructions may not be described in detail forbrevity and/or clarity. The terms gun, weapon, firearm and firearms areused interchangeably.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanyingdrawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates the principal components of an aspect of the presentinvention together forming the Trigger Assembly 7 with Finger 1 shown.

FIG. 2 further illustrates the principal components of Trigger Assembly7 with Finger 1 shown moved to the right.

FIG. 3 further illustrates the principal components of Trigger Assembly7 with Switch 6 shown in the form of a conventional trigger.

FIG. 4 illustrates a further aspect of the present inventionincorporated into the Trigger Assembly 7 as a blocked then unblockedbeam from a fixed starting position triggering system.

FIG. 5 illustrates a further aspect of the present inventionincorporated into the Trigger Assembly 7 having two each of Beam 3.

FIG. 6 illustrates a Trigger Assembly 7 arranged as per FIG. 5 mountedon a Firearm 12, in this case a long firearm such as a rifle or shotgun.

FIG. 7 illustrates a Trigger Assembly 7 arranged as per FIG. 3implemented on a Firearm 12, in this case a handheld firearm such as apistol.

FIG. 8 illustrates a Trigger Dip 13.

FIG. 9 illustrates the present invention showing a vertically alignedTrigger Assembly 7.

FIG. 10 illustrates the present invention showing a vertically alignedTrigger Assembly 7 with multiple beams and multiple switches.

FIG. 11 illustrates detailed aspects of the present invention includingelectronics, sensory feedback and an angle detector.

FIG. 12 illustrates a further aspect of the present invention and iscomprised of a Fire 3, Switch 6, and Finger Position Beam 21 detector.

FIG. 13 illustrates a further aspect of the present invention and iscomprised of a Fire 3, Switch 6, and Finger Position Beam 21 detectorbeing interrupted by a Finger 1 facilitating operation of TriggerAssembly 7.

FIG. 14 illustrates a further aspect of the present invention and iscomprised of a Fire 3, Switch 6, and Finger Position Beam 21 detectorbeing only partially interrupted by Finger 1 disallowing operation ofTrigger Assembly 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure are herein described.In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementationare described in this specification. It will of course be appreciatedthat in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerousimplementation specific decisions must be made to achieve thedeveloper's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related andbusiness-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation toanother. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effortmight be complex and time-consuming but would nevertheless be a routineundertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit ofthis disclosure.

The solution provided by this disclosure is the elimination of shootinginaccuracy due to the mis-pointing of the firearm imparted by forcesintroduced to the firearm through the mechanical action of pulling atrigger. This distortion of the aim is addressed by removing therequirement for the mechanical action, the pulling of the trigger, todischarge the firearm. Issues with the trigger pull and related grippressure are greatly reduced or eliminated by the present invention.

This disclosure further relates to shooter safety through the avoidanceof unintentional discharge of the firearm by the provision of methodsand means avoiding the reflexive and involuntary contraction of thetrigger finger squeezing a mechanical trigger and initiating dischargeof the firearm.

In regard to the following description of the Figures, the terms andtheir preferred embodiments follow.

FIG. 1 illustrates the principal components of an aspect of the presentinvention comprising Trigger Assembly 7. Trigger Assembly 7 is comprisedof individual components including a Shield 2, Fire 3, Emitter 4,Receiver 5, and Switch 6. A Finger 1 is shown resting against the Switch6 blocking Fire 3 from being incident upon Receiver 5, Finger 1 havingpressed Switch 6 initiating the function of Trigger Assembly 7 causingthe Emitter 4 to emit Fire 3. The Finger 1 is shown pointing out of theframe of reference towards the reader, the fingernail shown on the topof the Finger 1 and away from Switch 6. The position of Finger 1 isestablished upon pressing Switch 6 to activate or deactivate Fire 3.

Shield 2 is a structural component providing mounting means for othercomponents and providing means for the mounting of the complete assemblyknown as Trigger Assembly 7 to the firearm. Shield 2 serves the samepurpose as a trigger guard in a typical firearm. It also serves tomaintain alignment of the Emitter 4 and Receiver 5, and to maintainlocation and offer some mechanical protection to Switch 6. The Shield 2is shown in both open though closed configurations are a preferredembodiment and is preferred to be configured in any manner as suits thepresent disclosure's implementation requirements.

Fire 3 is a radiated energy radiated by Emitter 4 in any energy orfrequency as desired and is received by Receiver 5. Emitter 4 ispreferred to be a light-emitting diode (LED) semiconductor light sourcereleasing energy in the form of photons. LEDs are available across thevisible, ultraviolet, and infrared wavelengths with high brightness andare all preferred embodiments of the present invention.

Laser diodes, to include injection laser diodes or diode lasers, are apreferred embodiment of the present invention. These constitutesemiconductor devices similar to a light-emitting diode in which a diodepumped directly with electrical current generates lasing conditions atthe diode's junction emitting laser light.

Fire 3 is referenced herein as being blocked or unblocked. When Fire 3is blocked it is emitted by Emitter 4 but does not reach Receiver 5.When Fire 3 is unblocked it is emitted by Emitter 4 and is received byReceiver 5. The logic or state or action generated or not generated is aparticular of the configuration being described.

An exemplary Receiver 5 is a photodiode or phototransistor as bestsuited to receive the Beam 3 from Emitter 4. In the case where atransistor is preferred for the Receiver 5, the Receiver 5 is preferredto be an NPN (Negative, Positive, Negative) or PNP (Positive, Negative,Positive) transistor as best facilitating Electronics 20 (not shown) andbiased by the incoming light from Emitter 4. Receiver 5 is preferred tobe equipped with a filter allowing only the frequency of the signalgenerated by Emitter 4 to be detected by Receiver 5.

An exemplary method for the Emitter 4 and Receiver 5 to further securethe signal to discharge the Firearm 12 is asynchronous serialcommunication. In this form of serial communication, the communicatingEmitter 4 and Receiver 5 are not synchronized by a common clock signal,but by the data stream containing synchronization information in theform of start and stop signals. The carrier frequency for this method istypically somewhere between 33 to 60 kHz, with the most common carrierfrequency in commercial and consumer use being 38 kHz. This method iswell supported by fully developed and readily available electroniccomponents and software. In this method the Emitter 4 and Receiver 5 arepreferred to operate in the infrared (IR) and facilitate an analog todigital conversion allowing variable readings to be collected from theReceiver 5. The Emitter 4 may typically be driven up to 50 mA, thoughmuch lower signal strengths may be used for the present disclosure toeconomize on energy usage as the distance between the Emitter 4 andReceiver 5 is small as compared to more typical applications. In thismanner stray light such as sunlight or other high intensity sources areprevented from interfering with the operation of the Trigger Assembly 7.

In one embodiment the Fire 3 may be any form of electromagnetic, opticalor mechanical emission of any frequency, form, wavelength, pulse orintensity as facilities a particular application of the presentdisclosure.

Emitter 4 generates and emits a signal to be received by Receiver 5, butin this case is blocked by Finger 1. When Finger 1 moves to the right,as per the FIG. 2 illustration, and upon the acquisition of the Fire 3by Receiver 5 the Firearm 12 (not shown) receives a signal from TriggerAssembly 7 promoting discharge or other actions as preferred. Thereception of the Fire 3 beam generated by Emitter 4 and received byReceiver 5 is preferred to complete the act of discharging the weapon.

In one embodiment a coating is applied to the visible elements withdark, low reflectivity materials to avoid Emitter 4 emissions beingdetectable by others observing the Trigger Assembly 7. Ultra-blackmaterials such as VANTA (vertically aligned carbon nanotube arrays are acurrent type of material comprising one of the darkest substances known,absorbing up to 99.965% of visible light) may be used in one embodiment.

This functionality is assumed applicable in all implementations of thepresent disclosure as required for the desired application.

Switch 6 is a switch that is toggled between closed and open whenpressed by the shooter. Alternatively, Switch 6 may be a momentarycontact switch that toggles the Electronics 20 (not shown) between anactive state in which the Firearm 12 may discharge or an inactive statein which the Firearm 12 cannot discharge. It is a further embodimentthat Switch 6 be of any geometric form and surface characteristic asdesired for the particular application. When Switch 6 is a toggle switchin a closed position the Firearm 12 may be operated by the action ofTrigger Assembly 7. When Switch 6 is not pressed into a closed positionand is open the Trigger Assembly 7 will not operate and the Firearm 12will not discharge.

In one embodiment, the Switch 6 switches Fire 3 between on and off oneach press by Finger 1. Switch 6 is preferred to be any type of stateselection device to include a switch to further include electrical,electronic, mechanical, pressure, optical or other switch suitable forthe sensing and signaling or realization of the desired state change ofthe Trigger Assembly 7.

In one embodiment, the Switch 6 provides a suitable interface withFinger 1 to include sufficient mechanical or other press force to avoidunintentional toggle, and that Switch 6 provide suitable feedback toFinger 1 in the form of tactile or other sensory manner to assureoperation is confirmed to the shooter.

In one embodiment, the Trigger Assembly 7 and all related components inany configuration may be further attached to an electrical power sourceand that power source be further comprised of a battery or battery pack.

When Finger 1 is initially placed in Shield 2, the Firearm 12 is in a nodischarge condition. The Finger 1 presses Switch 6 and places Firearm 12into a discharge condition causing Emitter 4 and Receiver 5 to becomeactive and the beam Fire 3 to be emitted by Emitter 4. The Finger 1 isin an initial position as per the present disclosure to block the beamFire 3 from reaching Receiver 5 and the Firearm 12 does not discharge.

In one embodiment an option may be available such that the Switch 6being pressed by Finger 1 initiates a time period in which Finger 1 mayunblock Fire 3 and cause discharge of the firearm. If the time periodinitiated by Switch 6 expiries before Fire 3 is unblocked the ability touse discharge of the firearm is disabled.

In one embodiment the Trigger Assembly 7 may be used in a reverse mannerto the present description. In this manner the nail of Finger 1 is onthe side of the Switch 6 and retracts to unblock Fire 3 and dischargeFirearm 12. In this manner the typical motion of pulling the trigger ismaintained while still avoiding the loading of the trigger during theact of discharging the Firearm 12. This is herein referred to as a pulltrigger method and is a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 further illustrates the principal components of an aspect of thepresent disclosure incorporated into the Trigger Assembly 7. It iscomprised of individual components including a Shield 2, Fire 3, Emitter4, Receiver 5, and Switch 6, collectively known as Trigger Assembly 7. Afinger 1 is shown having moved to the right in Trigger Assembly 7 awayfrom resting on Switch 6 no longer blocking the Fire 3 beam from beingincident on the Receiver 5. Upon the Fire 3 being incident on theReceiver 5, the Trigger Assembly 7 sends a command to the Firearm 12(not shown) to discharge. This is herein referred to as a push trigger.

Initially Finger 1 presses Switch 6 and the Trigger Assembly 7 becomesactive. The Emitter 4 emits the Fire 3 beam and the beam is blocked fromreaching Receiver 5 by Finger 1. Firearm 12 (not shown) does notdischarge as long as Fire 3 is blocked. When Finger 1 moves to the rightas shown in FIG. 2 and Fire 3 becomes incident on the Receiver 5, theTrigger Assembly 7 sends a command to the Firearm 12 to discharge. TheTrigger Assembly 7 may be configured to discharge Firearm 12 every timethe Fire 3 beam is unblocked. This discharge of Firearm 12 may beselected, either by the shooter or by factory settings, to dischargeonce or multiple times on every blocking or unblocking of Fire 3 byFinger 1, and also to discharge one or more times on the receipt of Fire3 by the Receiver 5 after the initial blocking of Fire 3 by Finger 1preventing Fire 3 from illuminating Receiver 5. In this and othermanners the Firearm 2 discharge is fully configurable allowing allpossible discharge options to be accommodated by Trigger Assembly 7.When Finger 1 unblocks Fire 3 and Firearm 12 is configured to continuefiring as long as Fire 3 is not blocked by Finger 1 the Firearm 12 actsin full-auto mode as in conventional firearms.

All logical functionality of Trigger 7 is controlled by Electronics 20(not shown) that may be integrated into or separate from Trigger 7 asper the desired implementation. When the Switch 6 is again pressed theFire 3 beam shuts down and the Trigger Assembly 7 remains inactive untilthe Switch 6 is again pressed.

Switch 6 may incorporate any type of switch technology including pushon/off mechanical switches, or may provide contact only input toElectronics 20 (not shown). In one embodiment, Switch 6 an electricalswitching device actuated by the presence or action of Finger 1 in adescribed manner.

The Shield 2 is preferred to be sized to accommodate Finger 1 touchingSwitch 6 during discharge of Firearm 12 when Finger 1 is pressing Switch6 turning the Trigger Assembly 7 on or off.

In one embodiment upon discharge of Firearm 12 the Emitter 4 ceasesemission of Fire 3 until the Switch 6 is again pressed. In this mannerthe Firearm 12 is prevented from unintentional discharge.

FIG. 3 illustrates the principal components of an aspect of the presentinvention incorporated into the Trigger Assembly 7. It is comprised ofindividual components including a Shield 2, Fire 3, Emitter 4, Receiver5, Stop Bar 8 and Switch 6 collectively known as Trigger Assembly 7. AFinger 1 is shown resting against a Switch 6 blocking Fire 3 from beingincident upon Receiver 5. Switch 6 is in the form of a conventionalfirearm trigger to accommodate feel for the shooter.

In one embodiment, the Switch 6 may be configurable as a conventionalfirearm trigger in both shape, surface and surface features. It is afurther embodiment that Switch 6 be provided in a number of shootercontact shapes and configurations and be both factory installed or fieldreplaceable as desired.

Texture 9 is an embodiment to provide the shooter with tactile feedbackfor the position of Finger 1 in relationship to Fire 3. The Texture 9 ispreferred to be a surface characteristic of the material of Shield 2such as a surface roughness, or an added surface such as a cloth, metalgrain, sponge or other material. The Texture 9 may also be comprised ofraised three dimensional elements including items such as flaps orfeathers. The Texture 9 provides feedback and control of the Finger 1 tothe shooter for control of the Finger 1 position within the Shield 2.

This functionality is assumed applicable in implementations of thepresent disclosure. Stop Bar 8 is an extension of Shield 2 that ispreferred to be configurable to restrain the freedom of motion of Finger1. Stop Bar 8 is a removeable extension of Shield 2 as desired for theimplementation. Stop Bar 8 is preferred to be equipped with allimplements and extensions applicable to Shield 2 in a removeableimplementation.

FIG. 4 illustrates further aspects of the present disclosureincorporated as the Trigger Assembly 7. Here Trigger Assembly 7 iscomprised of individual components including Shield 2, Fire 3, Emitter4, Receiver 5, Finger Arm Position 11, two each Switch 6 and two eachSwitch Adjust 10. Finger 1 is shown resting against the left Switch 6.The Finger 1 is shown pointing out of the frame of reference towards thereader, the fingernail shown on the top of the Finger 1 and towards Fire3.

Finger 1 is shown contacting the left Switch 6 establishing fingerposition. Left Switch 6 is mounted in the Finger Arm Position 11 in theleft Switch Adjust 10. The left Switch Adjust 10 incorporates Finger ArmPosition 11 recessing Switch 6 for improved location and control byFinger 1. The Finger 1 may further utilize right Switch 6 to activateFire 3 and move to the left to actuate Fire 3. Fire 3 is canted inShield 2 facilitating Fire 3 block or unblock configuration. Initiallythe Fire 3 beam is inactive and Trigger Assembly 7 will not cause adischarge of the firearm. When Finger 1 presses either of the two Switch6 the Fire 3 beam becomes active. The position of Finger 1 isestablished and repeatably consistent within Trigger Assembly 7 upon thepressing of a Switch 6. In this manner the shooter has a fixed referencefrom which to base all Finger 1 movements within Trigger Assembly 7.

The two Switch Adjust 10 are preferred to be fixed in position oradjustable within Shield 2, defining the range of motion for Finger 1.Each Switch Adjust 10 may be together or independently made from anydesired material or combination of materials to include metals,plastics, and organic materials such as wood, and further coated asdesired for the particular implementation of the present disclosure forimproved interface with Finger 1. As an example, one or both SwitchAdjust 10 may be a metal, or other materials such as a Polymer-Ceramiccoated with a ceramic coating to enhance physical performance propertiesincluding abrasion/wear resistance, corrosion resistance, chemicalresistance, impact strength, and hardness. Shield 2 and other componentsof Trigger Assembly 7 are preferred to be fabricated and surfaced in asimilar and/or complementary manner to facilitate the desired operation.The motion of Finger 1 causing discharge as shown when moving forward isopposite the squeezing motion usually associated with the operation of afirearm's trigger. In this embodiment Finger 1 moves to block Fire 3,initiating discharge. Finger 1 may start at either end of TriggerAssembly 7 and in this manner inherent safety, improved accuracy andshooter preference are all provided by the present invention. Theposition of Finger 1 being repeatably and consistently determined forthe shooter in relationship to Fire 3 provides the opportunity forconsistency in the shooters control of the discharge like a mechanicaltrigger in a conventional firearm without requiring any pull force.

The two Switch Adjust 10 may be fixed in Shield 2 as suits theimplementation of the present disclosure but are otherwise preferred tobe together or independently adjustable within the Shield 2 toaccommodate the preference of the shooter. Switch Adjust 10 is preferredto slide for positioning or otherwise be positioned within Shield 2 andto be firmly positioned by means such as a fastener or slide stop asdesired. Once each Switch Adjust 10 is positioned, the shooter isprovided with suitable start and stop positions for Finger 1 withinterruption of Fire 3 being convenient for the implementation of thepresent disclosure. The two Switch Adjust 10 define the range of motionfor Finger 1.

It is noted that some firearms may have their trigger guard removed orrepositioned as to not impair use with large cold weather gloves on,especially those intended to be used in cold weather conditions, and theTrigger Assembly 7 is preferred to provide enough room without furtheradjustment such that the Finger 1 can contact Shield 2 on the top orbottom, or both, or not contact Shield 2 as desired.

FIG. 5 illustrates a further aspect of the present inventionincorporated into the Trigger Assembly 7. Here Trigger Assembly 7 iscomprised of individual components including Shield 2, two each Fire 3,two each Emitter 4, two each Receiver 5, two each Switch 6 and two eachSwitch Adjust 10.

A Finger 1 is shown resting against the left Switch 6. The Finger 1 isshown pointing out of the FIG. 5 towards the reader, the fingernailshown on the Finger 1 towards the right Fire 3. Initially the Fire 3beams are inactive, and Firearm 12 will not discharge. When Finger 1presses either of the Switch 6 the Fire 3 beams becomes active.

The motion of Finger 1 causing discharge as shown when moving forward isopposite the squeezing motion usually associated with the operation of afirearm's trigger. Finger 1 may start at either end of Trigger Assembly7 and in this manner inherent safety, improved accuracy and shooterpreference are all provided by the present disclosure.

Discharge is initiated through the function of one or both of the Fire 3and is configurable in a number of manners selectable for the particularimplementation of the present disclosure.

In one scenario the left Switch 6 is pressed by Finger 1 activating bothof the Fire 3 as emitted by the respective Emitters 4 and received bythe respective Receivers 5. The left Fire 3 is blocked by Finger 1 andthe Right Fire 3 is not blocked. In the initial state no signal is sentby Trigger Assembly 7 and the weapon does not discharge. The Finger 1moves to the right unblocking the left Fire 3 causing a signal to besent by the Trigger Assembly 7 and the weapon discharges. The Finger 1may then move left breaking Fire 3 and the weapon receives a signal todischarge or not discharge as desired or may move to the right breakingthe right Fire 3 initiating another discharge or not as desired. TheFinger 1 may press the right Switch 6 and turn off the Trigger Assembly7 or may move to the left making the right Fire 3 allowing anotherdischarge of the weapon. In this manner four discharges may be made in acontrollable manner with one Finger 1 movement forward and back acrossthe Trigger Assembly 7. This motion of Finger 1 may start and stop ateither side Trigger Assembly 7 producing the desired operation. Inanother scenario the Trigger assembly 7 may be configured to cause adischarge of the weapon only when a Fire 3 is broken and made,facilitating one or more discharges on each action.

One or both of the Switch Adjust 10 may be fixed in Shield 2 asfacilitates the implementation of the present disclosure but areotherwise preferred to be adjustable within the Shield 2 to accommodatethe preferences of the shooter. Switch Adjust 10 is preferred to slidefor positioning within Shield 2 and to be firmly positioned by meanssuch as a fastener or slide stop as desired. Once each Switch Adjust 10is positioned, the shooter is provided with suitable start and stoppositions for Finger 1 with interruption or completion of either or bothof Fire 3 being convenient for the implementation of the presentdisclosure. The two Switch Adjust 10 define the range of motion forFinger 1 and are preferred to be position adjustable or fixed withinShield 2. The two Switch Adjust 10 define the range of motion of Finger1 within the Shield 2 and Finger 1's interaction with Fire 3 as emittedby Emitters 4 and received by Receivers 5.

In one embodiment the spacing and positioning of the Emitters 4 andReceivers 5 may be adjustable or fixed as suits the implementation ofthe present disclosure and their function in relation to dischargesequence be determined by the application.

FIG. 6 illustrates the Trigger Assembly 7 mounted as per FIG. 5 as theTrigger Assembly 7 on a Firearm 12. The left Switch 6 is in the form ofa conventional firearm trigger to accommodate feel for the shooter.Either of both of the Switch 6 are preferred to be configured as suitsthe desired operation or feel for the shooter. Firearm 12 is shown as along firearm such as a rifle or shotgun. Switch 6 is arranged to beeasily accessed by the shooter and is readily depressed as the Firearm12 is held in a conventional shooting stance by the shooter.

In one embodiment, Switch 6 is mounted in Shield 2 to arm or disarmFirearm 12 as part of the typical operation of the shooter. The presentinvention is further configurable to maintain a no fire condition toaccommodate random finger motion during recoil assuring safety afterfirearm discharge and during firearm recoil. In this manner the abilityof the Trigger Assembly 7 to change state is momentarily disallowed upondischarge and the Finger 1 is required or not required, as determined bythe desired operation, to return to the previous state to continue theaction and process of the Trigger Assembly 7. The time allotted iscontrolled by Electronics 20 (not shown) and is preferred to be settableas desired buy the shooter or pre-set as per the preferred application.

Trigger Assembly 7 is further configurable to emulate the variousconventional trigger mechanisms to include single stage triggers. Asingle stage trigger ideally has no movement before releasing at theirset weight, moving only far enough rearward to release the sear. Thepresent invention, through adjustment of the Switch Adjust 10 and thelocation of the relevant Fire 3, may be activated by initiating theSwitch 6 and moving the Finger 1 a small distance emulating a singlestage trigger and initiating discharge without any trigger pressure onthe firearm.

Another mechanical trigger in common use is the two-stage trigger. Thepresent invention provides for similar operation through initiation ofthe Trigger Assembly 7 by Switch 6 is the first stage, and the secondstage to fire the weapon being accomplished by the Finger 1 movement.

The third type of mechanical trigger mechanism is known as a ‘settrigger’. This type of trigger is found on older style European orreproduction black powder rifles. The present disclosure may beconfigured to facilitate the same action as desired with the maximumpressure to set and the discharge the firearm being reduced to zero.

FIG. 7 illustrates a Trigger Assembly 7 arranged as per FIG. 3implemented on a Firearm 12, in this case a hand firearm such as apistol. Trigger Assembly 7 in its various embodiments is applicable toany type or class of firearm.

FIG. 8 illustrates a further aspect of the present inventionincorporating a Trigger Dip 13. Trigger Dip 13 facilitates Finger 1naturally resting against Switch 6 and blocking Fire 3 as emitted byEmitter 4. The Trigger Dip 13 is preferred configured both as a separateor integrated component of Shield 2, and functions as a resting placefor the Finger 1 regardless of the design or manufacture of Shield 2.Trigger Dip 13 accommodates Finger 1 resting on Switch 6 by proving aninclined and resting surface for Finger 1. Firearm 12 dischargeswhenever Finger 1 allows Fire 3 to illuminate Receiver 5. The Firearm 12may be configured to continuously discharge as long as Fire 3illuminates Receiver 5 or may behave in any manner as configured for theparticular implementation of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates a further aspect of the present disclosure showingFinger 1 resting against the lower Switch 6 blocking the lower Fire 3.The two Fire 3, two Emitter 4, two Receiver 5, and two Switch 6 aremounted in Shield 2. A Finger 1 is shown resting against the lowerSwitch 6 at the bottom of the vertically configured Shield 2. The Finger1 is shown pointing out of the frame of reference towards the reader,the fingernail shown on the top, on the right, of the Finger 1 andtowards the lower Receiver 5. Finger 1 moves vertically within Shield 2and discharges Firearm 12 when Fire 3 is no longer broken or is allowedto complete discharge as configured. Each cycle of Fire 3 is selectableto cause a discharge one or more times as herein detailed. The Firearm12 may be configured to continuously discharge as long as Fire 3 isuninterrupted or interrupted as desired.

FIG. 10 illustrates a further aspect of the present disclosure showingFinger 1 resting against the left Finger Position 14 not blocking eitherFire 3. The two Fire 3, two Emitter 4, two Receiver 5, and four Switch 6are mounted in Shield 2. In this configuration the Finger 1 movement inthe vertical plane blocks or unblocks the respective Fire 3. As Finger 1moves vertically within Shield 2 Firearm 12 discharges when Fire 3 isbroken or no longer broken or is allowed to complete discharge asconfigured. Each cycle of Fire 3 is selectable to cause a discharge oneor more times as herein detailed. The Firearm 12 may be configured tocontinuously discharge as long as Fire 3 is interrupted or uninterruptedas desired.

FIG. 11 illustrates a further aspect of the present invention and iscomprised of two Switch Adjust 10, a single Fire 3 divided into threebeams, Emitter 4, three Receivers 5, Shield 2, two Switch 6, twoReflectors 15, Vibrator 18, Beam Splitter 17, three Beam Windows 16,Electronics 20, and Angle Detector 19. The Emitter 4 emits Fire 3, Fire3 is split into three Fire 3 beams by Beam Splitter 17, the Fire 3 beamsintersecting two Reflectors 15 and are reflected through two BeamWindows 16 illuminating two Receivers 5, the center Fire 3 passingthrough the center Beam Window 16 and illuminating the center Receiver5. The Vibrator 18 is active providing tactile feedback to the shooterthat the firearm is in a dischargeable condition whenever Emitter 4 isactive. Conversely, three Emitter 4 could be joined and received by asingle Receiver 5. It is a preferred embodiment that the weapon beequipped with a Microelectromechanical system, herein indicated as AngleDetector 19, to include an Inertial Navigation system or device withcorresponding data recording and transmission systems or devicesproviding location, position, and orientation of the weapon singly or inany combination of real or near real time. It is a preferred embodimentthat Angle Detector 19 be an electronically readable level. It is afurther preferred embodiment that the microelectromechanical system beany applicable technology or device to include Gimballed gyrostabilizedplatforms, Fluid-suspended gyrostabilized platforms, Strapdown systems,Motion-based alignment, Vibrating gyros, Hemispherical resonator gyros,Quartz rate sensors, Magnetohydrodynamic sensors, MEMS gyroscope, RingLaser Gyros, Fiber optic gyros, Pendular accelerometers, Timing &Inertial Measurement Unit sensors, Quantum Accelerometers, and otherdevices capable of providing location information at an acceptable ratefor the preferred implementation of the present disclosure. It is apreferred embodiment that the data be recorded and transmitted asrequired during the entirety of the weapon's operation.

Electronics 20 is preferred as an electronic and/or integrated softwareor programmable controller that controls electronic functions anddevices. Angle Detector 19 detects the location, horizontal pointingvector and vertical angle and motion of the Firearm 12 and providesinformation to Electronics 20 which determines the fire or no firecondition of the Firearm 12 for the geometric and location situation forthe implementation of the present disclosure as a safety function whendesired. It is a further preferred embodiment that the determined mannerof Trigger Assembly 7 initiating discharge of Firearm 12 be selectableby the shooter.

Many combinations of discharge control may be accomplished with thepresent disclosure. In the case of a single beam, an example operationof the present invention begins by holding the Firearm 12 and pressingthe Switch 6 in the Trigger Assembly 7. The Vibrator 18 starts tovibrate providing tactile feedback to the shooter that the Firearm 12 isactive, and the Fire 3 beam or beams are on. As long as a Fire 3 beam isinterrupted by Finger 1 the Firearm 12 remains armed and ready. WhenFinger 1 moves and unblocks the Fire 3 beam the Firearm 12 discharges.When Finger 1 again blocks the Fire 3 beam the Firearm 12 returns to aready state. When Finger 1 moves and again unblocks the Fire 3 beam theFirearm 12 discharges. When Finger 1 again blocks the Fire 3 beam theFirearm 12 returns to a ready state. When Finger 1 presses the Switch 6the Trigger Assembly 7 shuts down and the Firearm 12 will no longerfire. A scenario with multiple Fire 3 beams can begin by holding theFirearm 12 and pressing the Switch 6 in the Trigger Assembly 7. TheVibrator 18 begins providing tactile feedback to the shooter that theFirearm 12 is active, and the multiple Fire 3 beams are on. As long asany Fire 3 beam is interrupted the Firearm 12 remains armed and ready.When Finger 1 moves and unblocks any Fire 3 beam the Firearm 12discharges. When Finger 1 enters the previous or another Fire 3 beam theFirearm 12 enters a ready state. When Finger 1 moves and unblocks theFire 3 beam the Firearm 12 discharges. Every time Finger 1 enters andexits a Fire 3 beam the Firearm 12 discharges. When Finger 1 presses anySwitch 6 the Trigger Assembly 7 shuts down and the Firearm 12 will nolonger fire.

Another scenario may begin by holding the Firearm 12 and pressing theSwitch 6 in the Trigger Assembly 7. The Vibrator 18 begins providingtactile feedback to the shooter that the Firearm 12 is active, and themultiple Fire 3 beams are on. As long as a Fire 3 beam is interruptedthe Firearm 12 remains armed and ready. When Finger 1 moves and unblocksany Fire 3 beam the Firearm 12 discharges. When Finger 1 enters theprevious or another Fire 3 beam the Firearm 12 discharges. When Finger 1moves and unblocks or blocks any Fire 3 beam the Firearm 12 discharges.When Finger 1 presses any Switch 6 the Trigger Assembly 7 shuts down andthe Firearm 12 will no longer fire. In this manner a Finger 1 movementmay actuate multiple discharges of the weapons as desired.

Another scenario can begin by holding the Firearm 12 and pressing theSwitch 6 in the Trigger Assembly 7. The Vibrator 18 starts to vibrateproviding tactile feedback to the shooter that the Firearm 12 is active,and the multiple Fire 3 beams are active. As long as a Fire 3 beam isinterrupted the Firearm 12 remains armed and ready. When the Finger 1moves and unblocks a Fire 3 beam the Firearm 12 discharges and continuesto discharge repeatably. When the Finger 1 moves and blocks any Fire 3beam the Firearm 12 stops discharging. When the Finger 1 presses anySwitch 6 the Trigger Assembly 7 shuts down and the Firearm 12 will nolonger fire. In this manner full auto fire is facilitated.

The independent Receiver 5 may be preferred to independently act toproduce single or multiple discharge in any manner as desired providinga complete range of possible configurations as controlled by Electronics20.

Many other scenarios are possible, and all combinations and scenariosare preferred embodiments of the present invention.

The Vibrator 18 provides haptic feedback to include tactile and/or audiofeedback to the shooter whenever the Trigger Assembly 7 is active, andthe Firearm 12 is therefore in a dischargeable condition. It is apreferred embodiment that haptic feedback of any type be utilized toinform the shooter that the weapon is active and in a dischargeablecondition. Haptic feedback is often generated by action of a vibrationmotor. The two current types of vibration motors in common use are aneccentric rotating mass vibration motor and a linear resonant actuator.The rotating mass vibration motor uses an unbalanced mass on a DCmotor's shaft that rotates and creates an off center, outwardly acting,often know as centrifugal, force that translates to vibrations. Thelinear resonant actuator contains a small internal mass, usuallyattached to a spring that is driven, translating a mass reactive forcedue to acceleration into vibrations into whatever it is attached to.Such actuators are specifically designed and commonly used for hapticfeedback applications, often having rise and stop times improved byspecialized electronic driving techniques.

The Beam Splitter 17 and Mirrors 11 are preferred to be such items asare commonly available. Alternatively, light guides fabricated from castacrylic materials such as polymethylmethacrylate that typically have a90% optical transmission efficiency and offer good mechanical propertiesare a preferred embodiment taking the place of Beam Splitter 17 andmirrors 11. Other means and methods of distributing or turning ordirecting or conducting a light beam may be used and do not detract fromthe novelty of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 illustrates a further aspect of the present invention seen inthe vertical looking down upon a horizontally held Trigger Assembly 7and is comprised of a Fire 3, Switch 6 and a Finger Position Beam 21.Finger Position Beam 21 provides detection of the position of Finger 1(not shown) by the Finger 1 (not shown) blocking or not blocking FingerPosition Beam 21 as determined by the particular configuration. FingerPosition Beam 21 is configured relative to Shield 2 such that FingerPosition Beam 21 interacts with Finger 1 (not shown) indicating properor improper positioning of Finger 1 (not shown) in the Shield 2. TheFinger Position Beam 21 is preferred to be either a single beam providedfor the entire shield 2, or multiple independent Finger Position Beams21 as required for the particular application.

FIG. 13 illustrates a further aspect of the present invention seen inthe vertical looking down upon a horizontally held Trigger Assembly 7and is comprised of a Fire 3, Switch 6, Finger 1 and a Finger PositionBeam 21. Finger Position Beam 21 provides detection of the position ofFinger 1 by the Finger 1 blocking or not blocking Finger Position Beam21 as determined by the configuration. Finger 1 is shown blocking Fire 3and the right side of the FIG. 13 Finger Position Beam 21 while the leftFinger Position Beam 21 is not blocked by the Finger 1 indicating animproper positioning of Finger 1 placing the Trigger Assembly 7 into anon-dischargeable condition.

FIG. 14 illustrates a further aspect of the present invention seen inthe vertical looking down upon a horizontally held Trigger Assembly 7and is comprised of a Fire 3, Switch 6, Finger 1 and a Finger PositionBeam 21. Finger Position Beam 21 provides detection of the position ofFinger 1 by the Finger 1 blocking or not blocking Finger Position Beam21 as determined by the configuration. Finger 1 is shown blocking Fire 3and the right Finger Position Beam 21 while the left Finger PositionBeam 21 is also block by the Finger 1 indicating a proper positioning ofFinger 1 and placing the Trigger Assembly 7 into a dischargeablecondition.

The term Firearm refers to a firearm of any type to include all knownrifles, hand firearms, specialty and military firearms. The termsFirearm and Firearms as used herein also include all devices that directenergy against a target by any means to include throwing a projectile,using compressed gas or other means, and by directing energy to a targetthrough any means to include liquid, solid, gas, granular, pellets,mechanical, inertial, radiative energy and other means.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, no mechanical trigger forcemay be required during the discharge of the firearm thereby avoiding theintroduction of aiming error. Further to the present disclosure thetactile and other sensory device and methods may be incorporated asrequired to provide location and other sensory feedback to the shooter.

The terms optical and light as used through this disclosure refer to allemitted waves of any frequency or mode of generation, transmission orreception to include electromagnetic waves of any frequency, and tofurther include all visible, near and far infrared, infrared,ultraviolet, optical and other optical, and radio waves, and allmechanical waves of any type and frequency to include any and all soundwaves regardless of their mode of generation, transmission, carrier ormethod of reception, and all mechanical forces and means of generationand reception.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including trade, technical andscientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonlyunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this inventionbelongs. The terms gun and firearm are used interchangeably both in thesingular and plural forms. The terms discharge and fire are usedinterchangeably both in the singular and plural forms. It is furtherunderstood that terms, such as those defined in commonly useddictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that isconsistent with their meaning in the context of the specification andrelevant art, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overlyformal sense unless expressly so defined herein. Well known functionsand common constructions are not described for brevity.

1. A firearm, comprising: a trigger shield configured as a protectiveloop surrounding a trigger of the firearm, the trigger configured toactuate the function of the firearm when activated by a finger and thetrigger is a lever a user presses with his/her finger that starts thefiring process; an emitter mounted on the trigger shield that propagatesa light beam to a receiver mounted on an opposite side of the triggershield; wherein when a finger depresses the trigger, his/her finger isblocking the light beam and the firearm will not activate and when thefinger is moved away from the light beam, the firearm discharges.
 2. Thefirearm of claim 1, wherein the finger moves to block or unblock thelight beam by flexion or extension.
 3. The firearm of claim 1, whereinthe trigger is mounted on the shield.
 4. The firearm of claim 1, whereinthe emitter is in alignment with the receiver and the beam emitted fromthe emitter is incident upon the receiver.
 5. The firearm of claim 1,wherein the shield may vary in shape, vertical or horizontalorientation, width, and slope.
 6. The firearm of claim 1, furthercomprising a texture, the texture providing tactile feedback to thefinger when the finger is in contact with the texture.
 7. The firearm ofclaim 6, where the texture is located within the shield and providessensory location of the finger.
 8. The firearm of claim 1, wherein theprotective loop comprises a stop bar.
 9. The firearm of claim 8, whereinthe stop bar is removeable.
 10. The firearm of claim 1, wherein thetrigger comprises one or more of a shield, a switch, an emitter, and areceiver.